Ethnic Groups on the Move: Acculturation Dance Strategies of the Greek Gagauz

Eleni Filippidou

doi:10.29333/ejecs/1316

Authors

Eleni Filippidou National and Kapodistrian University of Athens https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0425-1037

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/1316

Keywords:

Ethnography, dance, identity, acculturation, ethnic group

Abstract

The field of this research is the area of Thrace in Greece, in which people from various ethnic groups coexist for almost a century. Most of these ethnic groups moved to the area, after voluntary migrations in 1923. The newcomers were classified as "refugees" and were treated hostilely by the locals. One of these ethnic groups that was treated hostilely was the Gagauz, a Turkish-speaking ethnic group. The aim of this research is to study the acculturation strategies of the Gagauz in their attempt to be accepted in Greek society. This study attempts to investigate the way in which the Gagauz construct and reconstruct their ethnic identity through dance. Data was gathered through the ethnographic method as this is applied to the study of dance. The interpretation of the research data in order to approach the ethnic identity of the Gagauz was based on the theoretical perspective of cultural and social construction or constructivism. This theory, in order to highlight the ethnic identity of the Gagauz, is used under the analytical terms of "acculturation" according to the multicultural model proposed by Berry. From the analysis and interpretation of the ethnographic data, it was found that the construction of the ethnic identity of the Gagauz in Greece is a fluid process, in the reconstruction of which an important factor is the degree of its acculturation. The Gagauz, experiencing a social reality that seeks to have multiple identities at the same time, change the meanings of their actions always in relation to their social environment. Thus, on the one hand, they choose to have a Greek Thracian ethnic identity, on the other Gagauz ethnic identity, and on a third level they self-identify as Greek Gagauz. So, depending on their circumstances and feelings, they choose a different ethnic identity.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Eleni Filippidou, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Eleni Filippidou is a postdoctoral researcher at the School of Physical Education and Sport Science of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with a scholarship from the Hellenic State Scholarship Foundation and Lecturer in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences and Techniques of the French College Idef-Universite Paris13. She is a graduate of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a Postgraduate and Doctoral Degree in Folklore-Anthropology of Dance at the same university.

References

Adshead, J., & Layson, J. (Eds.) (1983). Dance history: A methodology for study. Princeton Book Co.

Aguirre Beltran, C. (1957). El proceso de aculturacion. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico.

Anderson, D. (1991) Imagined communities: Reflections on the origin and spread of nationalism. Verso.

Bemak, F., Chung, R., & Pederson, P. (2003). Counselling refugees: A psychosocial approach to innovative multicultural interventions. Greenwood Press.

Berns-McGown, R. (2007). Redefining "diaspora": The challenge of connection and inclusion. International Journal, 63(1), 3–21. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40204483 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/002070200806300102

Berry, J. W. (1980). Acculturation as varieties of adaptation. In A. Padilla (Eds.), Acculturation: Theory, models, and some new findings (pp. 9–25). Westview.

Berry, J. W. (1985). Psychological adaptation of foreign students. In R. J. Samuda & Α. Wolfgang (Eds.), Intercultural counselling and assessment global perspectives (pp. 235–247). C. J. Hogrefe, Inc. Lewiston.

Berry, J. W. (1992). Acculturation and adaptation in a new society. International Migration, 30, 69–86. https://doi/10.1111/j.1468-2435.1992.tb00776.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2435.1992.tb00776.x

Berry, J. W. (1997). Immigration, acculturation and adaptation. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 46(1), 5–68. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-0597.1997.tb01087.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-0597.1997.tb01087.x

Berry, J. W. (2003). Conceptual approaches to acculturation. In K M. Chun, P. B. Organista, & G. Marín (Eds.), Acculturation: Advances in theory, measurement and applied research (pp. 17–37). American Psychological Association, https://doi.org/10.1037/10472-004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/10472-004

Berry, J. W. (2006). Acculturation: A conceptual overview. In M. H. Bornstein & L. R. Cote (Eds.), Acculturation and parent-child relationships: Measurement and development (pp. 13–32). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. https://www.routledge.com/Acculturation-and-Parent-Child-Relationships-Measurement-and-Development/Bornstein-Cote/p/book/9780415645652 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780415963589-2

Boas, F. (1940). The aims of ethnology. Macmillan.

Bochner, S. (1985). Cultures in contact: Studies in cross-cultural interaction. Pergamon Press.

Buckland, T. J. (ed.) (1999). Dance in the Field. Theory, Methods and Issues in Dance Ethnography. Macmillan Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230375291

Burke P. J. (1997). An identity model for network exchange. American Sociological Review, 62, 134-150. https://doi.org/10.2307/2657456 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/2657456

Celano, M., & Tyler, F. (1990). Behavioral acculturation among Vietnamese refugees in the United States. Journal of Social Psychology, 131, 373–385. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224545.1991.9713864 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00224545.1991.9713864

Charitonidis. C. (2018). "Parallel" lives and Traditions: The Greek dance-house in Hungary. (Master's thesis). School of Physical Education and Sports Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/frontend/el/browse/2751117#contents

Child, I. L. (1970). Italian or American? The second generation in conflict. Russell & Russell.

Cohen, A. (1969). Custom and politics in urban Africa: A study of Hausa migrants in Yoruba towns. Routledge and Kegan Paul.

David, E. J. R., Okazaki, S., & Saw, A. (2009). Bicultural self-efficacy among college students: Initial scale development and mental health correlates. Counseling psychology, 56, 211–226. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015419 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015419

DiMaggio, P., & Ostrower, F. (1990). Participation in the arts by black and white Americans. Social Forces, 68(3), 753–778. https://doi.org/10.2307/2579352 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/2579352

Dimopoulos, K. (2017). Timeless and contemporary processes in the "game" of constructing gender identity: Dance and gender transformation in the community of Megala Kalivia Trikala Thessaly [Doctoral dissertation, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens]. https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/object/2738695/file.pdf

Erikson, K. T. (1967). A comment on disguised observation in sociology. Social Problems, 14(4), 366–374. https://doi.org/10.2307/798850 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/798850

Filippidou, E. (2011). Dance and identity search. Strategies of acculturation and retribalization of Gagavuz in Inoi of Evros [Master’s thesis, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens]. https://pergamos.lib.uoa.gr/uoa/dl/frontend/el/browse/1680580

Filippidou, E. (2018). Crossing borders, uniting people. Cybernetic approach of dance in the Thracian wedding event of “K'na” in Greece and Turkey [Doctoral dissertation, University of Athens]. https://www.didaktorika.gr/eadd/handle/10442/45499

Filippidou, E. (2021). Acculturation strategies of construction of the "self" as a consequence of the interaction with the "others": The example of the "K'na gecesou" dance among the Arvanites of northern Evros. In 7th International Scientific Conference "Social Vulnerability and Development: Challenges in Education, Economy and Culture" (pp. 377–385). Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Filippidou, E. (2022). Acculturation strategies and dance: Identity construction through the example of “Zonaradikos or Omouslamas” dance of the Gagauz of Thrace, Greece. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 9(2), 216–233. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/1023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/1023

Filippidou, E., & Koutsouba, M. (2020a). Dance and socio-cybernetics: The dance event of “K’na” as a shaping component of the cultural identity amongst the Arvanites of Neo Cheimonio Evros, Greece. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 7(2), 30–49. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/342 DOI: https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/342

Filippidou, E., & Koutsouba, M. (2020b). Acculturation strategies of ethnic identity construction among the Gagauz of Evros. The example of K'na dance. In the 1st ATOHA Scientific Conference "Leisure activities and dance practices. Dance in Greece and its perspective. Sports tourism",Volume 2 (pp. 11–15). Democritus University of Thrace.

Filippidou, F. E., Koutsouba, I. M., & Tyrovola, K. V. (2008). Survival and revival of tradition: The transition of dance from co-presentation to representation in Pentalofos of Evros. In Proceedings of the 22nd World Congress on Dance Research (cd-rom). CID.

Filippidou, Ε., Koutsouba, Μ., Lalioti, V., & Lantzos, V. (2019). The construction of national identity through cybernetic process: The example of "K'na" dance event in Greek and Turkish Thrace. European Review of Applied Sociology, 12(18), 13–31. https://doi.org/10.1515/eras-2019-0002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/eras-2019-0002

Fox, H. S. (2010). Ancient ways in current days: Ethno-cultural arts and acculturation [Doctoral dissertation, Victoria University]. https://tewaharoa.victoria.ac.nz/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma9913008054002386&context=L&vid=64VUW_INST:VUWNUI&lang=en&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&tab=all&query=sub,exact,Acculturation%20--%20New%20Zealand,AND&mode=advanced

Geertz, C. (2003). Thick description: Toward an interpretive theory of culture. In C. Geertz (Ed.), The interpretation of cultures. Selected essays (pp. 1–30). Basic Books.

Gefou-Madianou, D. (1999). Culture and ethnography: From realism to cultural critic. Ellinika Grammata.

Giles, R. A. (2005). The acculturation matrix and the politics of difference: Women and dene games. The Canadian Journal of Native Studies, 25(1), 355–372.

Giurchescu, A., & Torp, L. (1991). Theory and methods in dance research: A European approach to the holistic study of dance. Yearbook for Traditional Music, 23, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.2307/768392 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/768392

Herskovits, M. J. (1938). Acculturation, the study of culture contact. J.J. Augustin.

Hobsbawn, E., & Ranger, T. (Εds.) (1983). The invention of tradition. Cambridge University Press.

Hoerburger, F. (1965). Folk dance survey. International Folk Music Journal, 17, 7–8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/901414

Hoerburger, F. (1968). Once again: On the concept of ‘folk dance’. Journal of the International Folk Music Council, 33(2001), 17–28. https://doi.org/10.2307/1519627 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1519627

Hoerder, D. (2002). Cultures in contact: World migrations in the second millennium. Duke University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv11hpmch

Kıylıoğlu, L., & Wimmer, H. (2015). The relationship between immigration, acculturation and psychological well-being. The case of Turkish youth in Austria. Nesne, 3(5), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.7816/nesne-03-05-01 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7816/nesne-03-05-01

Kolb, E. (2009). The evolution of New York city's multiculturalism: Melting pot or salad bowl: Immigrants in New York from the 19th century until the end of the gilded age. Books on demand.

Kottak, C. P. (2007). Windows on humanity. McGraw Hill.

Koutsouba, M. (1997). Plurality in motion: Dance and cultural identity on the Greek Ionian Island of Lefkada [Doctoral dissertation, University of London]. https://doi.org/10.25602/GOLD.00028536

LaFramboise, T., Coleman, H., & Gerton, J. (1993). Psychological impact of biculturalism: Evidence and theory. Psychological Bulletin, 114, 395–412. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.114.3.395 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.114.3.395

Laroche, M., Kim, G., Hui, M., & Joy, A. (1996). An empirical study of multidimensional ethnic change: The case of the French Canadians in Quebec. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 27(1), 114–131. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022196271008 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022196271008

Lewin, K. (1948). Resolving social conflicts. Harper & Row.

Liebkind, K. (2001) Acculturation. In R. Brown & S. Gaertner (Eds.), Blackwell handbook of social psychology: Intergroup processes (pp. 386–406). Blackwell. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470693421.ch19

Marden, C. F., & Meyer, G. (1968). Minorities in American society (3rd ed.). American Book Company.

Margari, N. Z. (2004). Dance and identity: Greeks outside Greece. In E. Avdikos, I. Loutzaki, & Ch. Papakostas (Eds.), Dance heteroclites (pp. 95–110). Ellinika Grammata.

Marsella, A. J., & Ring, E. (2003). Human migration and immigration. In L. Adler & U. Gielen (Eds.), Migration: Immigrants and emigration in international perspective (pp. 3–22). Greenwood Press.

Matalas, P. (2002). Nation and orthodoxy. University Press of Crete.

Mpezevegis, H., Pavlopoulos, V., & Georganti, K. (2010). Ethnic Identity and psychosocial adaptation: An empirical study of second-generation immigrant adolescents. Department of Psychology, Department of Philosophy, Pedagogy and Psychology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens / Institute of Immigration Policy.

Nahachewsky, A. (1995). Participatory and presentational dance as ethnochoreological categories. CORD Dance Research Journal, 27(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.2307/1478426 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1478426

Neto, F., Barros, J., & Schmitz, P.G. (2005). Acculturation attitudes and adaptation among Portuguese immigrants in Germany: Integration or separation. Psychology & Developing Societies, 17, 19–32. https://doi.org/10.1177/097133360501700102 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/097133360501700102

Nikolaidis, A. (2010). Personal interview.

Papakostas. C. (2007). Dance-music identity and otherness: The case of the Roma of Heraklia in the prefecture of Serres [Doctoral dissertation, University of Thessaly]. https://ir.lib.uth.gr/xmlui/handle/11615/44357

Papastylianou-Akalestou, A. (1992). The psychological adjustment of the students-children of returnees: Research in the high school students of returnees of Varybopi [Doctoral dissertation, University of Athens]. https://www.didaktorika.gr/eadd/handle/10442/3523

Pavlopoulos, G. V., & Bezevegkis, G. E. (2008). Theoretical approaches to migration and acculturation. In E. Bezevegkis (Ed.), Immigrants in Greece: Acculturation and psychosocial adaptation (pp. 17–37). IMEPO.

Price, Ch. (1979). Ethnic groups and assimilation. In Southern Europeans in Australia (pp. 112–141). Oxford University Press.

Redfern, S. J., & Norman, I. J. (1994). Validity through triangulation. Nurse Researcher, 2(2), 41-56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7748/nr.2.2.41.s6

Redfield, R., Linton, R., & Herskovits, M. J. (1936). Memorandum for the study of acculturation. American Anthropologist, 38(1), 149–152. https://www.jstor.org/stable/662563 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1525/aa.1936.38.1.02a00330

Roukounas, E. (1995). International protection of human rights. Estia.

Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. S. (2012). Qualitative interviewing: The art of hearing data. SAGE Publications.

Rudmin, F. W. (2003). Critical history of the acculturation psychology of assimilation, separation, integration, and marginalization. Review of General Psychology, 7, 3–37. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.7.1.3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.7.1.3

Sayegh, L., & Lasry, J. (1993). Immigrants' adaptation to Canada: Assimilation, acculturation and orthogonal cultural identification. Canadian Psychology, 34, 98–109. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0078777 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/h0078777

Sklar, D. (1991) On dance Ethnography. CORD Dance Research Journal, 23(1), 6–10. https://doi.org/10.2307/1478692 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1478692

Smith, A. D. (1987). The ethnic origins of nations. Blackwell.

Smith, A. D. (2000). National identity. Odysseus.

Stocking, G. (1992). The Ethnographer's magic and other essays in the history of Anthropology. The University of Wisconsin Press.

Stonequist, E. V. (1935). The problem of the marginal man. American Journal of Sociology, 41, 1–12. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2768176 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1086/217001

Tananakis, P. G. (2007). The issue of Russian minorities in the former Soviet republics [Master’s thesis, Law School of Democritus University of Thrace]. https://repo.lib.duth.gr/jspui/handle/123456789/9771

Thompson, P. (2002). Voices from the past: Oral history. Plethron.

Vuong, Q. H. (2018). Cultural additivity: behavioural insights from the interaction of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism in folktales. Palgrave Communications, 4(1), Article 143. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-018-0189-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-018-0189-2

Zak, I. (1973). Dimensions of Jewish-American identity. Psychological Reports, 33, 891–900. https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1973.33.3.891 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1973.33.3.891